'More than enough work': Virgin Blue mum

A Virgin Blue employee who claims she lost her job because she had a baby has denied being told there was insufficient work to keep her position open.

Giving evidence in the Federal Magistrates Court in Brisbane on Tuesday, former Virgin Blue sponsorship and events specialist Kirsty Aitken said there was nothing to indicate her role would be terminated just two weeks before she was to return to full-time work in July 2010.

She and public affairs officer Leonie Vandeven, both in their early 30s, are taking court action against Virgin Blue, alleging they were discriminated against after confirming they were pregnant or when returning from maternity leave.

The women had worked together on the airline's public relations team until mid-2010, when they were told their positions were no longer required.

Ms Aitken and Ms Vandeven say their positions were immediately filled after they were forced to take redundancies.

Ms Aitken told the court she had done project work while on maternity leave and she anticipated organising a number of events upon her return to work.

She agreed that she visited the office in May for a "meet and greet" with her new manager and to discuss the workings of the department.

However, she denied being told at that meeting that there was little work for her to return to.

"I suggest to you that (your manager) said that the new corporate business strategy means that events are not really on the agenda going forward," said Chris Murdoch, who is representing Virgin.

"I disagree," Ms Aitken replied.

Ms Aitken said Virgin's CEO had suggested organising a ball for Virgin's 10th birthday celebrations in August, and there would also be an event when the airline's financial results were released.

"You're not suggesting seriously, are you, that you could have been meaningfully engaged for 35 hours a week on annual results and the 10th birthday celebrations?" Mr Murdoch asked.

"Yes, I am, because it wasn't just one event. It was numerous events," Ms Aitken said, adding that her manager had also discussed the possibility of her resuming the sponsorship work she had engaged in before having her baby.

"Therefore, there would have been more than enough workload," she said.

Previously, lawyers acting for Ms Aitken and Ms Vandeven have indicated their clients want to see penalties imposed on Virgin Blue for alleged breaches of numerous sections of the Fair Work Act.

They claim Virgin breached the parental leave and redundancy policies and other obligations as an employer.